After looking online, I decided we should check out Cleveland. We’ve been to Columbus and Cincinnati since moving back to Ohio and haven’t spent a lot of time exploring up north. I was hesitant about downtown hotels and was curious about the walkability of the city. After spending a lot of time looking at hotels I decided I wanted to stay at the Tudor Arms Hotel by DoubleTree. After looking more, I realized it wasn’t in a very walkable area and we’d have to drive around too much. I’d still love to stay there, but since it’s so close to the Cleveland Clinic, I’m not sure if they run many specials. We also looked at the Glidden House which is a B & B near the museum campus.

Inside the theater

In the end, we settled on the Wyndham downtown at Playhouse Square. The Wyndham had packages that made the stay much more affordable. We purchased the Rock and Roll Package which included valet service for 24 hours, two tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the room and a gourmet breakfast buffet in the morning. The total was $205 without tax. Parking would’ve been $20 minimum and tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were $25 each. The breakfast was about $13 per person. With the package, the savings made the hotel room only $109!

Outside the theater

Waiting for the movie

The ceiling above the balcony

Playhouse Square is the theater district of Cleveland. The Wyndham is located right on the square and you can see both the chandelier and the playhouse sign from the front door. Our room was on the fourteenth floor and we had a great view of the Playhouse Square sign which was lit up at night. The theaters were within seconds of the entrance and there were also many restaurants and bars. As soon as we checked into our room we fell asleep on the massive king bed. Once we awoke we got ready to see Casablanca at the Connor Palace Theater. Before entering the theater we made a stop at Starbucks and ordered an Iced Caramel Macchiato.

After we reserved our hotel I looked up performances to see. For only $5 I found that Casablanca was showing at the Palace Theater. I was really excited since Dustin and I once watched parts of it on a cruise ship under the stars and remember that moment fondly. (So romantic) For $10, how couldn’t you go see it? What we weren’t expecting was the beauty of the theater. The Connor Palace has been restored beautifully. We felt as if we had stepped back in time when we walked in the doors. The crowd was a wonderful mix of families, singles and couples. Some were dressed up, others weren’t. There was popcorn served in traditional boxes and a bar open. We grabbed a box of popcorn and made our way up into the balcony. The architecture was honestly so amazing. As we found out seats we listened to a live orchestra. About 400 others filled with space. Before the black and white movie began, there were cartoons played. The room filled with laughter and cheering. It was a magical experience. The movie proved to be excellent. I can’t think of a shared experience from the last year I’ve cherished more with Dustin – crunching on popcorn while watching one of the best movies in the world.

Casablanca

Largest outdoor chandelier in the world at Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square sign & chandelier lit up at night

Playhouse lit up at night

Palace Theater

1/2 left of the fries at Bar Cento

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream

Inside Mitchells

After the movie we were really hungry. We took out the car and headed to Ohio City for the best pizza in Ohio! Bar Cento is a happening spot and was filled since the Gay Games were happening. We ordered a large fry which we could only finish 1/2 of! In addition to the fry we ordered a pizza to share. (Gone before I had a chance to take a picture) The restaurant is laid back but really buzzing. There is a huge bar space in the back with couches and even a pool table. There were a lot of people there even at midnight.

Dustin wanted something sweet so we hit up Mitchell’s Ice Cream. We shared a tasting duo and got Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Caramel Fudge Brownie. It was some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had and the shop is open really late! After eating and exploring more, we made our way back to the hotel where we chilled and watched cable (a luxury since we don’t have it at home). The next morning we got to go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!